The city of Montgomery isn't letting COVID-19 steal all its summer fun. Fourth of July parade organizers are turning the annual event upside down this year.
Recreation Director Julie Machon says the city is looking for applicants for its Reverse Independence Day Parade.
"It's a twist on our parade where the units are stationary in a parking lot at Sycamore High School and the motorists drive through it to observe the parade," Machon explains, adding the idea was "just a brainstorm we had here."
At least 30 groups have already applied to participate, including swim teams, the Sister Cities commission, and various car and antique auto groups. The application deadline is Wednesday, June 17.
The parade committee is looking for entries that celebrate Montgomery, "hometown Americana" and the patriotic spirit.
While the concept hasn't been done here before, Machon thinks it should go smoothly and it won't take people too long to drive through the parade. The plan is to use part of the parking area to stage cars in long rows to minimize traffic backups on Cornell and surrounding roads. City employees and volunteers will help with traffic control and safety.
The parade has been going on for decades. Machon estimates it usually draws thousands of spectators along the route with about 70 parade entrants.
"We're going to make it fun, decorative, patriotic... we want that feeling of community pride and memories because our parade was such a tradition and we want them to see that and feel that when they go through. It's something healthy for our community."
